F I R S TP R E V858NEXTLAST

Really Bad Apartment, North Beach
Think your apartment is inconvenient? This working door (it opens inward) gives us a chance to consider the pros and cons of renting in San Francisco. The drop in home market has resulted in a big jump in local rental costs. According to this week's Forbes magazine, San Francisco is currently the second most expensive rental market in the United States, behind the Bay Area's Silicon Valley - San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara. But while the city's limited size keeps rents high it also helps in reducing other costs.

Due to San Francisco's compact size and the parking crunch, many residents choose to walk, bike, and take public transit to work and for their errands. Increased gas prices have also made the cost of urban living more affordable for those who don't have to drive, pay tolls, and park every workday. The savings from not owning a car, or second car, is about as much as the extra rent it costs to live in San Francisco. Many residents find that an easy trade off to make.
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